Incorporating a new children’s hymnal into your classroom might be easier than you think! There are many ways you can teach the faith through a hymnal, such as learning to sing a hymn in a foreign language, which can benefit children in the future. Singing hymns can also help children memorize important Christian themes. Using One and All Rejoice makes teaching through hymns easy.
Canons Teach Important Themes
Canons can help teach children important doctrinal ideas or routines in Christianity. By using “Canon for the Beginning and End of the School Day” (OAR 324), you can help children learn how to give thanks to God as they open and close the day. Pair it with a reading of Martin Luther’s Morning or Evening Prayers—included on the inside front cover of One and All Rejoice—to help bring the point home.
Additionally, children can learn about the Holy Trinity with “Holy Trinity Canon” (OAR 230). Children can sing about how God is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit! Plus, as they sing the words, they’ll learn how He is “Three in One” to praise “both now and evermore!”
Foreign-Language Hymns
There are eight foreign-language hymns in One and All Rejoice. Spanish is taught in many schools. Why not enhance that teaching with a hymn written in English and Spanish? “Oh, How Good Is Christ the Lord! / ¡Oh, Qué Bueno Es Jesús!” (OAR 202) has the English and Spanish lyrics printed side by side. Help students work on their pronunciation of Spanish words as they give praise to the Lord each time they sing in Spanish or English.
Student Accompanists
Students who have recently picked up a new instrument can use the children’s hymns in OAR to improve their playing abilities. All of the hymns in OAR include guitar chords and may be played alongside a choir. Additionally, any C instruments, such as a flute, can play the melody from the piano part. For an easier format to accompany the choir, order the One and All Rejoice: Accompaniment Book.
Repetition in Refrains
Musical and lyrical refrains are a great way to make sure students retain the core teachings in a hymn. “Christ Is with Me” (OAR 276) is one of many hymns that have a beautiful refrain that teaches children a core lesson. “Christ is with me ev’rywhere I go. Never to leave me, this I know.” The refrain can be sung in unison or with harmony, making it a hymn that you can use even as children are looking for more musical challenges.
“God Loves Me Dearly” (OAR 182) is a Christmas hymn, yet it can be sung all year since the message doesn’t change. “Therefore I’ll say again: God loves me dearly, God loves me dearly, loves even me.” The five stanzas give a brief overview of God sending Christ to pay for our sins and freeing us from the chains of sin. The refrain brings home the point for all children that no matter their background, sins, or shortcomings, God “loves even me.” For many children, this will be a powerful lesson they will take into adulthood as they make mistakes and learn to ask for God’s forgiveness.
Hymn texts with the abbreviation OAR are from One and All Rejoice © 202 Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Use One and All Rejoice to teach the faith in your classroom.
